Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope, choosing the name Pope Leo XIV to succeed the late Pope Francis. Following his introduction to the world, Pope Leo XIV thanked Pope Francis and the cardinals involved in the conclave. “Thank you, Pope Francis!,” said Pope Leo XIV in his initial speech from the balcony of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy, on Thursday, (8/5) local time as reported by YouTube @VaticanNews. He expressed his gratitude to the cardinals who chose him as the Successor of Peter and to walk together as a united Church, working for peace and justice, together as men and women, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, becoming missionaries, faithful to the Gospel,” added Pope Leo XIV. On the other hand, the Chairman of the Catholic Youth, Stefanus Gusma, expressed his gratitude for the election of Pope Leo XIV. According to him, Pope Leo XIV will bring new hope to the world. “First of all, congratulations because the conclave went smoothly from start to finish, secondly, of course, we are grateful for the election of Pope Leo XIV who gives new hope to Catholics worldwide,” said Gusma on Friday, (9/5). Gusma praised the conclave process as extremely closed and secretive, so Gusma considered the issue of external involvement in the election of the Pope to be unfounded. “The issue circulating is, in my opinion, incorrect, indeed this time the election of the Pope is purely the work of the Holy Spirit, so that it can be quickly carried out without political implications, and so on,” Gusma emphasized. From this election, Gusma is confident that Pope Leo XIV can continue the struggle and mission of Pope Francis that has not been fulfilled. Moreover, issues such as peace in conflict-ridden countries, human trafficking, poverty, issues of immigrants, and the environment. “I believe that Pope Leo XIV is the relevant successor of Pope Francis with the challenges facing the church today. His missionary experience, including in Papua, gives us confidence in his commitment to marginalized and poor people. Now all eyes are on Pope Leo XIV, bold moves and decisive steps must be taken to achieve justice in the world, I am confident that Pope Leo XIV can carry out, and even continue the mission of Pope Francis,” said Gusma. (M-3)
